transom

noun

tran·​som ˈtran(t)-səm 

1

: a transverse piece in a structure : crosspiece: such as

a

: lintel

b

: a horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window or fanlight above it

c

: the horizontal bar or member of a cross or gallows

d

: any of several transverse timbers or beams secured to the sternpost of a boat

also : the planking forming the stern of a square-ended boat

2

or transom window : a window above a door or other window built on and commonly hinged to a transom

Illustration of transom

• T transom 2

Phrases

over the transom

: without solicitation or prior arrangement

the manuscript arrived over the transom

Examples of transom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And that total weight includes the dual-clamp transom mounting bracket, which is designed to be left on the boat after it's first mounted, allowing the 26.5-lb (12-kg) motor to be carried back and forth on its own. —New Atlas, 19 Mar. 2025

Like its predecessors, the Grand Bank 62 features the company’s V-Warp Technology hull, which mates a razor-like entry at the bow with graceful curvature amidships and minimal deadrise at the transom. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2025

But the beach club that includes a generous seating area, and a treatment room with glass wall that allows light to flood in when the two side terraces are lowered and the transom door is opened is particularly notable. —Bill Springer, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

The main entrance has colorful transom window above a wood door. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English transyn, traunsom, probably alteration of traversayn, from Middle French travessain, from Old French traversain set crosswise, from Vulgar Latin *traversanus, from Latin transversus transverse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for transom

• handsome
• hansom

Kids Definition

transom

noun

tran·​som ˈtran(t)-səm 

1

: a horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window or fanlight above it

2

: a window above a door or other window built on and commonly hinged to a transom